Patriots Ground Jets 13-10

Jim Rogash/Getty Images(FOXBOROUGH, Mass.) — Despite not having many of his top playmakers, Tom Brady still found a way to win.

Brady hit rookie Aaron Dobson with a 39-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, Geno Smith was intercepted three times, and the New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 13-10 on Thursday night.

New England (2-0) managed just nine first downs after leading the league in points and yards last season. Having three rookie receivers in the lineup may have something to do with that.

“We have a long way to go,” said Brady, who completed 19 of 39 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown. “No one is coming to (our) rescue and save the day, so we’ve just got to fight through it.”

Smith struggled in his second career start for the Jets, (1-1) completing 15 passes for 214 yards with three fourth-quarter interceptions.

“During that time in the game, you’ve got to be more mindful of the situation,” Smith said. “With the costly mistakes, that was completely on me.”

Aqib Talib intercepted Smith with 38 seconds remaining to help seal the victory for the Patriots. Players on both sides scuffled after the interception and three Jets offensive linemen, Nick Mangold, Willie Colon and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, were ejected.